Liberty County Emergency Management Agency Director Mike Hodges informed the Liberty County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday that Gum Branch and unincorporated county residents can expect a decrease in their homeowner's insurance rates this year, thanks to better fire-protection ratings for the areas under Liberty County Fire Services management.

On an appropriately wet Friday, Liberty County officials and residents turned out to the Miller Park well site for a "Turn on the Tap" ceremony, marking the completion of a project started over 10 years ago.

To celebrate the grand opening of its first Liberty County restaurant, Zaxby's gave away one free menu item per week for the next year to the first 100 customers in line Monday morning. By 9 a.m., the parking lot was crowded and the line easily exceeded 100 people. The first customer to arrive, Charles Heatwole of Hinesville, said he had been in line since 11:30 p.m. Sunday night.

There are reports of an alleged bomb threat at the Wal-Mart store located off Oglethorpe Highway in Hinesville. Authorities are currently investigating the threat. The Courier will continue to report on any update as it becomes available.

Long County Chamber of Commerce President Ray Howard and Long County Development Authority Chairman Danny Norman went before the county commission Feb. 3 to ask the group for help in expanding the recreational services at Morgan Lake.